"'Do not give up hope,' said our reporter. 'I am by your side to help you. You and your daughter, two women, alone in London as I understand, without a friend, can do very little, but an earnest, willing man, who has influence and means to back him up, may do much.'
"In his sincere sympathy our reporter pressed the woman's arm, and she uttered an exclamation of pain.
"Have I hurt you?' he asked, hurriedly.
"'My arm has been injured,' replied the woman, biting her lip so that she should not repeat the cry; 'it has been cut to the bone.'
"'I am very sorry. Is it your left arm?'
"'Yes.'
"'Was it recently done?--but I beg your pardon for questioning you so closely.'
"'You have the right to question me. It was done a few days ago.'
"'You are unfortunate in more ways than one.'
"'Truly, truly,' sighed the woman. 'Your voice, your words are kind, but I can think of nothing but my dear child. She is waiting for me, expecting me, listening for my footsteps on the stairs. If I could escape--if I could get away unseen!'